In the following question on idioms and proverbs, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the proverb “Practice makes a man perfect”.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Regular activity is the way to become proficient in it

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests understanding of a very common English proverb: Practice makes a man perfect. Proverbs and idioms are fixed expressions that convey general life lessons, and exams frequently ask candidates to select the closest paraphrase. The proverb talks about the role of repeated practice in developing skill and mastery in any field, such as sports, music, or studies.


Given Data / Assumptions:
• The proverb is Practice makes a man perfect.• It is used in general contexts to encourage persistent effort.• The task is to choose the option that best captures its central idea.


Concept / Approach:
The core meaning of the proverb is that repeated practice of an activity gradually improves skill and brings a person closer to perfection. It does not literally promise absolute perfection, but it strongly emphasises that consistent effort leads to very high levels of proficiency. The correct option must mention the idea of regular activity or repeated trying as the route to becoming good at something, not just general patience or time.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Restate the proverb in your own words: If you keep practising something regularly, you will become very skilled at it.Step 2: Scan the options for a sentence that conveys this restated meaning.Step 3: Option c says Regular activity is the way to become proficient in it, which matches the restatement almost exactly.Step 4: Check the other options to see whether they are either too broad or focus on a different idea.Step 5: Confirm that option c is the most precise and complete paraphrase of the proverb.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider examples from real life. A student who solves mathematics problems every day becomes faster and more accurate. A musician who practises a piece many times plays it smoothly. A sportsperson who trains regularly performs better in competitions. All these examples illustrate that regular practice leads to proficiency. When you compare these situations with option c, you can see that it fits perfectly. The other options either focus on patience, solving any problem, or time, none of which is as central to the original proverb as the act of repeated practice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a: Perfection demands patience suggests that patience alone brings perfection. While patience helps, the proverb stresses practice more than patience.Option b: Any problem can be solved if you are willing to try many times exaggerates the idea. The proverb is about improving skill, not guaranteeing a solution to every possible problem.Option d: It takes a long time to form a good habit talks about the time needed to build habits, which is a related but different message.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose answers that sound motivational or wise without checking whether they really capture the original saying. Many proverbs talk about time, patience, and effort, so options that mention these qualities can be confusing. The best strategy is to restate the proverb in simple language first and then look for the option that matches that restatement closely. This prevents being misled by options that are roughly similar in tone but different in meaning.


Final Answer:
The proverb means that continuous practice of a skill leads to high proficiency and near perfection. Correct answer: Regular activity is the way to become proficient in it.

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